If you’ve ever been to Ecuador, you’ve probably seen (or at least heard of!) the Tulcan Cemetery and its three-acre topiary made of Cypress. The smell is as beautiful as the scenery itself, which is why this place is so popular with both tourists and locals!

You don’t have to go all the way to Ecuador to experience the magic of Cypress, though. Instead, you can create your own Cypress wonderland through aromatherapy!

Cypress for transitions:

I’ve always been fascinated with Cypress topiaries, but it wasn’t until I began studying aromatherapy that I realized just how powerful Cypress really is. In Latin, Cypress is known as Cupresus sempervirens, which translates to “always alive”. That translation couldn’t be more accurate, because Cypress trees can live for up to 1,000 years! They are strong and majestic, always pointing towards the sky.

Cypress essential oil is just as strong. That makes it the perfect oil to use when you’re facing a new challenge — like a new job or the loss of a loved one. Its scent will keep you pointing towards the sky, instead of letting the hurdles of life drag you down.

For an instant mood boost, I like to combine Cypress with another uplifting scent — Mandarin. Combine two drops each of Cypress and Mandarin essential oils and breathe in deeply, and it will be impossible NOT to feel better! The strength of the Cypress mixes with the joyfulness of the Mandarin, and the end result is a feeling of acceptance and positive resignation.

As for a physical boost, I have discovered that there are 4 conditions that respond well to Cypress oil:

1. Varicose/spider veins

If you look at a piece of Cypress bark, you’ll see that it looks remarkably similar to varicose veins. But while Cypress’ thin strands look distinguished, the varicose veins on your legs most certainly do not! Luckily, Cypress oil has astringent properties, and it works as a venous decongestant — meaning that it can remove toxins from the blood and narrow blood vessels.

For an even more soothing experience, soak a towel in hot water and another in ice water, and wring out the excess. Once you’ve applied the oil mixture to your legs, use the hot towel as a compress, and then switch to the cold towel. Do this for about 10 minutes, and you’ll look AND feel better!

2. Hemorrhoids

You can take that venous decongestant property even further and use Cypress essential oil to get some much-needed relief from hemorrhoids. After all, hemorrhoids are a swollen group of veins.

You can use the same mixture we just discussed. You can apply it to your hemorrhoids three times a day, rather than once a week. Be sure to drink plenty of water, too, for even more relief.

I also recommend taking a sitz bath on a regular basis. Simply fill your tub with warm water to hip-level, add one teaspoon of the oil blend, and spend about 15 minutes soaking. Do this every day for the ultimate relief!

3. Menstrual issues

Cypress cones are round shaped and they resemble the human ovaries. Cypress is known as a menstrual regulator — meaning it can relieve everything from painful periods to heavy periods. (FYI — our Women’s Help Body Oil is chock full of Cypress oil, so it’s the perfect tool to clear up feminine imbalances!)

4. Respiratory problems

A single drop of Cypress oil can prevent a sore throat from turning into a full-blown infection. As soon as you start to experience that scratchy feeling, combine 3 drops of cypress oil with the juice of one lemon and 1/2 tsp of salt. Add this mixture to a glass of warm water and do gargles once or twice a day. [1]

Whether you’re looking for pure Cypress oil or the Women’s Help Body Oil, you’ll find it at Aromandina. Experience the magic for yourself!

Born and raised in the Ecuadorian capital, Quito, Cristina's memories are always related to the scents of her homeland. A professional Aromatherapist since 1994, Cristina received her Complementary Health Education Diploma in Aromatherapy in 1997 from the Kevala Center in the U.K., and advanced her studies in 1998 when she took the International Training Program in Essential Oils at Purdue University in Indiana.
Cristina has more than 14 years of experience formulating aromatherapy products for the spa, fitness and hospitality industry and speaking with North and South American audiences on television and radio as well as in seminars and workshops.
She is eager to share her successful experience and the therapeutic values of her homeland's pure healing ingredients.